Intervertebral Foramen: General Characteristics

Question 1

What determines the length of the intervertebral foramen?

Answer 1

the width of the pedicle

Question 2

What may extend the length of the intervertebral foramen?

Answer 2

the TVP, muscles, or ligaments

Question 3

What forms the anterior boundary for the typical intervertebral foramen?

Answer 3

• vertebral bodies
• intervertebral disc
• posterior longitudinal lig.

Question 4

What forms the superior boundary for the typical intervertebral foramen?

Answer 4

inferior vertebral notch of the pedicle above

Question 5

What forms the inferior boundary for the typical intervertebral foramen?

Answer 5

the superior vertebral notch of the pedicle below

Question 6

What forms the posterior boundary for the typical intervertebral foramen?

Answer 6

• inferior articular process of the vertebra above
• superior articular process of the vertebra below
• capsular lig.
• ligamentum flavum

Question 7

What is the average height of the intervertebral foramen?

Answer 7

about 13mm

Question 8

What percent of total vertebral column length does “true” intervertebral foramina height from C2-S1 equal?

Answer 8

40%

Question 9

What percent of total vertebral column length does all intervertebral foramina height from occiput to Co1 equal?

Answer 9

53%